Houston, we have a rising star! The 2025 AL Cy Young Award voting has revealed a hidden gem, and it's time to shine a spotlight on Hunter Brown, the Astros' right-hander. But here's where it gets controversial... he didn't win the award, but his third-place finish is a testament to an incredible season and a bright future.
Tarik Skubal took home the trophy for the second year in a row, with Garrett Crochet hot on his heels. Yet, Brown's performance this year has secured his place among the elite pitchers in the American League. The voting results speak for themselves: Skubal dominated with 26 first-place votes, while Crochet and Brown followed closely behind.
Brown's journey to the top has been an inspiring one. At just 27 years old, he's already achieved so much. With three more seasons under team control, Houston fans have plenty to look forward to. This season, Brown stepped up as the Astros' ace, delivering an impressive 12-9 record with a stellar 2.43 ERA. His career-low WHIP of 1.03 is a testament to his control and precision.
Among AL starters, Brown dominated the rankings. He led the league in opponents' slugging percentage, was second in ERA and opponents' OPS, and tied for second in quality starts. His strikeout numbers were impressive, ranking third in the league, and his pitching wins above replacement were a standout 4.6.
Brown's consistency was remarkable. He had eight starts where he didn't allow a single earned run, and his longest scoreless innings streak in 2025 was a remarkable 28 innings. That's the fifth-longest streak by an Astros starter in history!
June was Brown's month to shine. He was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, with an incredible 1.19 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP. The Astros won all five of his starts that month, a true testament to his impact on the team.
Brown's rise to ace status began in 2024. After a slow start, he added a sinker to his arsenal, and his season turned around dramatically. He finished the year with an impressive 11-5 record and a 2.51 ERA, helping the Astros overcome a 10-game deficit to win the American League West.
So, what does the future hold for Hunter Brown? With his talent and dedication, the sky's the limit. This third-place finish is just the beginning, and we can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.
What do you think? Is Brown a future Cy Young winner? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions for this rising star!
